Daojun, start from Penglai foundation building

The Celestial Venerable has arrived!

For a moment, not only the two great Bodhisattvas, Mingguang and Jinglian, from the Lesser Light Realm, but also the great Bodhisattvas and Arhats, such as Mingxian, Lingjue, and Lingding, who came with Buddha Jinjue from the Great Lingyin Temple, were all overwhelmed by the vast and surging clear purple aura from the east.

A myriad of auspicious rays and countless streaks of rosy clouds appeared, with heavenly flowers falling and golden lotuses swaying. The three celestial deities sat regally on cloud chariots, with three acres of auspicious clouds floating above their heads, carrying golden lamps, silver cups, blue bottles, and necklaces. The three Dao wheels, originally representing the Dao fruits, merits, and fortunes in blue, gold, and purple, had merged into one, transforming into a round, flawless, clear, and full true yang wheel of light. With just one glance, one could observe the yin and yang, the reality and illusion, the creation and time, and understand what the law, the Dao, and perfection are.

Behind the three Celestial Venerables, a vast expanse of purple energy stretched for 30,000 miles, forming a sky-covering purple and blue haze. The images of the three Celestial Venerables could be vaguely seen within it, revealing the all-encompassing power of their rule.

"Disciple pays respects to the Heavenly Venerable and welcomes your arrival!"

The immortals and true lords of the Eastern Heavenly Daoist sect had already bowed down in unison. The shouts of the immortals and true lords of the three upper realms were like thunder, and beams of clear light and profound mystery soared into the sky, shaking the universe and causing waves of shock throughout the Nine Heavens.

The gods and star officials in front of the Dou Niu Palace reacted and also bowed down: "We, the humble gods, pay our respects to the Heavenly Venerable."

Golden Cicada Bodhisattva looked at Bright Light Bodhisattva with a half-smile: "Fellow Daoist Bright Light, now there is no need to argue about who comes first or last, nor to worry about losing face."

The Bodhisattva Mingguang, with his clear and discerning mind, understood the meaning of the Bodhisattva Jinchan in an instant, and then smiled and said, "I must say, the three Heavenly Venerables of the Eastern Heaven have arrived at just the right time."

As the two great Bodhisattvas spoke, the Venerable Ones and Heavenly Kings of Jinchan Temple and Tianlong Temple, following the instructions of the Golden Cicada Bodhisattva and the Dragon-Subduing Arhat, also performed the Buddhist salute: "Greetings, Heavenly Venerable!"

The Venerable Ones of Mingguang Temple and Jinglian Temple in Shaoguang Realm also received the decree and bowed: "Greetings, Heavenly Venerable!"

Bai He and Lan Xin bowed together among the many Glazed Dao Venerables of the Lesser Light Realm. The two women looked eastward with somewhat complicated expressions. This is the Eastern Heaven Daoist School today. With the Three Venerables living in the world, who in all the heavens and myriad realms and the Three Realms does not know the might of the Eastern Heaven Daoist School?

Looking at the grand scene of worshipping the Heavenly Venerables from all directions, Buddha Jinjue's expression was somewhat unpleasant. He had already subdued Jinchan Temple, Tianlong Temple, and Mingguang Temple and Jinglian Temple of Shaoguang Realm. It was the perfect time to take advantage of the situation and enter Dou Niu Palace, but unexpectedly, the three Heavenly Venerables from the Eastern Heaven arrived at such a perfect moment!

As the three Celestial Venerables arrived, Jiang Sheng and the other Eastern Celestial Immortals flowed into their ranks like water. Jiang Sheng, Lin Fan, and the others gathered among the immortals of the Penglai Dao Sect, standing to the left and right of the Qingyan Celestial Venerable. They gazed at the magnificent and imposing Dou Niu Palace, stretching for an unknown distance, and at the Golden Awakening Buddha and the bodhisattvas and arhats of the Great Lingyin Temple in front of the Dou Niu Palace.

Lin Fan was also extremely obedient at this moment, standing quietly with a calm expression. Gone was the spirit and arrogance he had displayed earlier when he was talking passionately and exuberantly. Jiang Sheng nodded in approval. He knew that things were not worth doing at this critical juncture, so both the East and West sides remained extremely quiet.

Qingyan Tianzun looked at Jinjue Buddha and a smile appeared on his face. He then said with a smile, "Fellow Daoist Jinjue, you arrived earlier than us. In that case, why don't you go in first?"

After a few moments of silence, Buddha Jinjue nodded: "That's fine too."

After saying this, Buddha Jinjue led the bodhisattvas and arhats of Dalingyin Temple into the Dou Niu Palace.

Lin Fan was somewhat taken aback and secretly transmitted his voice to Jiang Sheng: "What's going on? Why did the Heavenly Venerable let that Golden Awakening Buddha enter the Dou Niu Palace first?"

Jiang Sheng glanced at Lin Fan, thinking to himself that he had just said Lin Fan knew what was important, but now he was getting impatient. He explained helplessly, "Otherwise, why would the four True Yang Masters fight in front of so many of us juniors outside the Nine Heavens Palace and the Dou Niu Palace?"

Lin Fan was taken aback for a moment, then laughed and said, "It's not impossible. I've never seen such a grand spectacle of battles between Heavenly Venerables."

Jiang Sheng replied irritably, "If four Heavenly Venerables were to fight, the entire Nine Heavens Palace would be razed to the ground. Our very existence would be wiped out. You don't think you can escape from the Heavenly Venerables' magic and remain untouched by the Great Dao, do you?"

Jiang Sheng and Lin Fan communicated telepathically, while inside the Dou Niu Palace, the Pi Xiang Hall was already filled with immortals, gods, and demons.

The Heavenly Emperor, the Underworld Lord, and all the Star Lords, Sun Lords, Moon Lords, and Demon Lords were already seated in the Fragrant Pavilion. At this moment, Daoist Qiongyun was whispering with the Five Elements Great Sage.

After all, they had fought side by side during the Xuanmen Calamity. Although this connection was extremely shallow, in the inner hall of the Pixiang Palace, apart from the Five Elements Great Sage, Qiongyun Daojun truly had no one else he could communicate with.

Suddenly, Buddhist chants rang out outside the Pixiang Hall. Qiongyun Daojun and the Five Elements Great Sage exchanged a glance and looked up to see Bodhisattvas and Arhats entering the hall. These Bodhisattvas and Arhats all carried the aura of the Bodhi Path of Buddhism and were clearly from the Great Lingyin Temple.

As more than ten Bodhisattvas and Arhats entered the hall, a loud shout rang out: "The Great Lingyin Temple of the Western Paradise, the World Honored One, Golden Enlightenment Buddha, has arrived!"

In an instant, all the emperors, lords, sun and moon deities in the Pixiang Hall rose to their feet, expressing their respect for the Golden Enlightenment Buddha, who was of the highest caliber and whose achievements rivaled those of creation.

Even the Daoist Qiongyun, the Five Elements Great Sage, the Divine Wind Great Sage, the Overturned Water Great Sage, and the Tonghai Great Sage rose to their feet.

The eight-treasure golden lotus slowly floated down, and the Golden Awakening Buddha sat on the golden lotus of merit. On his left and right stood the Spirit Awakening Bodhisattva and the Spirit Fixation Arhat, with the Bright Wisdom Bodhisattva standing in front of him. Under the protection of the three great Buddhist masters, the Golden Awakening Buddha entered the inner hall of the Fragrant Pavilion.

At this moment, a vast divine light appeared, and a divine emperor appeared from one side, bowing to the Golden Awakening Buddha: "Your Majesty is very pleased with the Buddha's arrival. Please, Buddha, take the left side and occupy the chief position!"

Located on the left, in the first position!

Isn't that where the Heavenly Venerables of the Eastern Heaven reside?!
At this moment, not only were the four Great Sages, including Kong Xuan, utterly astonished, but even the newly appointed Heavenly Emperor of Longevity, Qiongyun Daojun, wore a look of astonishment.

However, as if he had expected this, Buddha Jinjue calmly took the lead on the left, while Bodhisattva Mingxian, Bodhisattva Lingjue, and Arhat Lingding were ranked below Buddha Jinjue.

As the Golden Awakening Buddha and the Bodhisattvas and Arhats of the Western Paradise arrived, a loud shout soon rang out again: "Eastern Paradise, Penglai Heavenly Realm, Qinghua Heavenly Realm, Tianhe Heavenly Realm, Qingyan Heavenly Venerable, Mingyang Heavenly Venerable, Kaiyuan Heavenly Venerable have arrived!"

The emperors, lords, sun and moon lords who had just sat down stood up again, and Qiongyun Daojun and the Five Elements Great Sage also looked towards the palace gate.

Amidst the shimmering light, the three Celestial Venerables entered the Fragrant Pavilion. High above them hung auspicious clouds, their Dao wheels clear and bright. Behind them followed a group of Dao Lords from the Eastern Heaven Daoist School. Upon seeing the arrival of the three Celestial Venerables, the deities bowed once more. The Great Emperor of the Divine Dao said, "Your Majesty is overjoyed by the arrival of the three Celestial Venerables. Please, the three Celestial Venerables, take the right side and occupy the chief position."

The chief on the right?!
Kaiyuan Tianzun's expression darkened slightly, while Qingyan Tianzun wore his usual kind smile: "Very good."

Seeing this, Kaiyuan Tianzun followed Qingyan Tianzun and Mingyang Tianzun to the right seat. As the three Tianzun took their seats, the Daoist masters of the Eastern Heaven Daoist School followed suit. Now the Eastern Heaven Daoist School and the Western Heaven Buddhist School were all present. Although not all the guests had arrived for the banquet in Pixiang Hall, the most important guests had arrived and were just waiting for the host to appear.

Before long, as the Golden Cicada Bodhisattva, the Bright Light Bodhisattva, and other great Bodhisattvas and Arhats from Jinchan Temple, Tianlong Temple, Shaoguangjie Mingguang Temple, and Jinglian Temple entered the Pixiang Hall and took their seats on the left, the Golden Palace Heavenly Emperor finally appeared.

But then the bells and chimes rang out, followed by a melodious and high-pitched chant: "His Majesty the Heavenly Emperor has arrived!"

As all the immortals, Buddhas, and saints in the Hall of Fragrant Breeze looked up, they saw the Golden Palace Heavenly Emperor, wearing an imperial crown and imperial robes, striding in. The Golden Palace Heavenly Emperor had a smile on his face but was still majestic. The three great emperors of the divine path followed behind the Golden Palace Heavenly Emperor, their divine might awe-inspiring and radiant with the glow of the sunset.

"I am a little late, please forgive me."

Although the Golden Palace Heavenly Emperor said this, there was no trace of apology on his face. He was the Heavenly Emperor, the ruler of the Three Realms and all the heavens, and should be the emperor revered by immortals, Buddhas, saints and gods. How could he possibly apologize to others?

Inside the hall, all the immortals, Buddhas, and saints said it was no problem. Meanwhile, Qingyan Tianzun, Mingyang Tianzun, Kaiyuan Tianzun of the Eastern Heaven, and Jinjue Buddha of the Western Heaven watched the Golden Palace Emperor perform. Jinjue Buddha had a smile on his face, Qingyan Tianzun closed his eyes to rest, Mingyang Tianzun had a half-smile, and Kaiyuan Tianzun had a calm expression, seemingly unmoved.

The Golden Palace Heavenly Emperor naturally noticed the expressions of his fellow Daoists who were also at the True Yang Realm of Dao Masters. Speaking of which, the immortals, Buddhas, and saints in this Fragrant Hall are equivalent to most of the Pure Yang in the myriad realms, not to mention that all the True Yang Masters in the Chaotic Universe are gathered here.

It can be said that once the immortals, Buddhas, and deities within this Hall of Fragrant Incense unite their goals, even the myriad realms of the heavens will have no choice but to submit.

However, the Golden Palace Heavenly Emperor did not care about these immortals, Buddhas, and saints. In the entire Fragrant Palace, or rather, in the entire myriad realms, the only ones he cared about were the four True Yang Masters, namely the Eastern Heavenly Venerable and the Western Heavenly Buddha, who were at the same level as him.

The Golden Emperor first nodded slightly to the Golden Buddha, then looked to his right and nodded to the three Heavenly Venerables. He then ascended the throne, sat on it, and looked down upon the immortals, Buddhas, and saints in the hall.

Within the entire Pixiang Palace, the only ones who could be on par with the Golden Emperor were the four honored seats on the left and right. On the left was the Golden Buddha, seated on the Eight Treasures Merit Lotus Platform, and on the right were the three Heavenly Venerables, Qingyan, Mingyang, and Kaiyuan, seated on the Three Directions Throne.

At this moment, immortals and gods gathered in the Hall of Fragrant Breeze, and the holy beings were all revered. Such a grand occasion greatly pleased the Golden Palace Heavenly Emperor. The Golden Palace Heavenly Emperor nodded and said, "Two thousand years ago, this era of ten thousand-year calamity was opened again, and all the heavens were in great chaos."

"I am fortunate to have the assistance of fellow Daoists Shanhe and Hengsha, who have united the Three Realms, stabilized the chaotic universe, and opened up the Three Realms Great Thousand World." "Since the establishment of the Three Realms Great Thousand World, calamities have disappeared and the world has been at peace. All the gods and immortals have performed their duties, and humans, gods, ghosts, and demons have each found their place. It has been two thousand years since then."

"Just as the great calamity has passed and the fortunes of the Three Realms are flourishing, I have decided, after much deliberation, to hold this grand banquet and invite all the Daoist sects of the heavens to join in this great event."

"Seeing immortals, Buddhas, and saints gathered in this hall, I am greatly pleased!"

"Then let the banquet begin!"

As the Golden Palace Heavenly Emperor finished speaking, a Divine Emperor announced loudly, "His Majesty decrees, the banquet shall begin!"

In an instant, the voices of the celestial gods from the Hall of Fragrant Breeze transmitted from within: "His Majesty has decreed that the banquet begin!"

The sounds of the banquet began, spreading from the inner hall to the outer hall, then from the outer hall throughout the Dou Niu Palace, and finally resounding throughout the entire Heavenly Court.

The heavenly music echoed throughout the Nine Heavens Palace and the Three Realms, drawing envy from countless immortals, gods, demons, and ghosts, none of whom were qualified to participate in this grand banquet at the Fragrant Pavilion.

Those who can enter the inner hall of the Fragrant Pavilion are at least Fifth Tribulation True Lords, immortals, gods, and Buddhas with Mahayana attainments; while the outer hall, apart from the more important divine attainments of the Heavenly Court, the Underworld, and the human world, is for the true disciples of various holy lands.

Without a pure Yang level to suppress the fortune above, what right do you have to enter this banquet in the Pixiang Palace?

As the Heavenly Emperor of the Golden Palace ordered the banquet to begin, the entire Dou Niu Palace began to bustle with activity. A group of celestial maidens carried square glazed jade platters into the Pi Xiang Hall, offering various celestial fruits and elixirs, delicacies from land and sea, and the finest nectar from the Heavenly Court.

Jiang Sheng and Lin Fan were in the outer hall of the Pixiang Hall. The outer hall of the Pixiang Hall was vast and boundless, and those sitting in it at this moment were all true disciples of a sacred land.

Not to mention the Penglai, Qinghua, and Tianhe sects of the Eastern Heavenly Daoist School, there are also the Xuanmen true disciples of the Zhenxiao Daoist School of the Xiaoyun Realm, as well as the Buddhist true disciples of the Dalingyin Temple, Jinchan Temple, Tianlong Temple, Mingguang Temple, and Jinglian Temple of the Western Heavenly School, along with the celestial demons of the Demon Emperor's Palace, the Dragon Lords of the Four Seas, and the gods of the Three Realms, all sitting densely in the outer hall of the Pixiang Palace. At the end of this outer hall, there is a vast flowing light and water curtain, reflecting everything in the inner hall, allowing the true disciples of the various holy lands in the outer hall to glimpse the grand feast of the Pure Yang Great Powers in the inner hall.

Clearly, the banquets in the inner and outer halls were completely different.

The various delicacies and spirit wines in the outer hall were brought in by celestial maidens from the four side gates and delivered like flowing water to the Jade Ice Platforms on each side, for the immortals of the three realms in the outer hall to enjoy.

The delicacies in the inner palace were served by celestial maidens who entered from both sides of the inner palace and delivered various delicacies to the altars of the immortals, Buddhas, and saints. Each immortal, Buddha, or saint was attended by two celestial maidens on his left and right, who served wine and tea.

Such treatment is not available in the outer hall. The celestial maidens simply serve delicacies and fine wines; if the immortals want tea or wine, they must do it themselves.

"Come, Yuan Chen, taste this heavenly wine, it's truly delicious!"

Lin Fan finished a cup of wine, wiped his mouth contentedly, and then listened to the fairies playing music, watching the groups of fairies dancing gracefully in the hall, swaying his head along with them, clearly immersed in the music.

Jiang Sheng looked around and said softly, "The fellow Daoists from the Crimson Cloud Dao Sect and the Jade Pool Holy Land should be arriving soon, right?"

Lin Fan nodded: "It should be soon. After all, they are deliberately delaying. When His Majesty the Heavenly Emperor speaks again, it will be their turn to arrive."

As they were talking, the Golden Palace Heavenly Emperor, who was sitting high on his throne in the inner hall illuminated by the flowing light and water curtain, suddenly asked, "Why do I see that there are still fellow Daoists in this hall who have not yet arrived? Which immortals have not yet entered the hall?"

Just as Buddha Jinjue was about to speak, Heavenly Venerable Kaiyuan laughed and said, "Your Majesty, Daoist Chixiao of Cangwu Realm and Golden Mother Yuanjun of Kunlun Realm have arrived and are outside the hall."

Upon hearing this, the Golden Palace Emperor said, "In that case, please come into the palace quickly."

But then a celestial being shouted: "The Crimson Heaven Dao Lord of the Cangwu Realm, the Golden Mother Primordial Sovereign of the Kunlun Realm has arrived!"

Then, Daoist Chixiao and Yuanjun Jinmu entered the Pixiang Palace and bowed to His Majesty the Heavenly Emperor, saying, "This humble Daoist greets Your Majesty."

The Golden Palace Heavenly Emperor nodded slightly, and then saw the Crimson Cloud Dao Lord and the Golden Mother Yuanjun bow to the three Heavenly Venerables and the Golden Awakening Buddha: "Greetings to the three Heavenly Venerables."

"I have met the Buddha Jinjue."

Buddha Jinjue nodded in return with a smile. He was not dissatisfied with Kaiyuan Tianzun speaking first. In any case, his share had already been decided. It was just a matter of who got it first. Moreover, there was no harm in letting the Eastern Heaven Daoist family go first.

To put it bluntly, this banquet in the Hall of Fragrant Incense was a feast to distribute the positions of Heaven and Earth after the Eastern Heavenly Daoist family won the Xuanmen Calamity and earned a great deal of fortune and merit. The Eastern Heavenly Daoist family was bound to take the lion's share, and even the Golden Palace Heavenly Emperor couldn't stop them. However, this did not mean that the Golden Palace Heavenly Emperor would allow the Eastern Heavenly Daoist family to take all the benefits.

Especially after Kaiyuan Tianzun decided to establish the lineage of immortals and spread the Daoist teachings to all without discrimination, if the Golden Palace Heavenly Emperor had no temper at all, his position as Heavenly Emperor could be replaced.

Kaiyuan Tianzun continued, “Your Majesty, this time, fellow Daoists Chixiao and Jinmu have contributed greatly to our Three Realms and made great contributions. They are meritorious officials in the Xuanmen Tribulation and intend to bring their two realms into our Three Realms to further strengthen our Three Realms.”

"Such a great achievement deserves a reward."

The Golden Palace Heavenly Emperor glanced at Kaiyuan Heavenly Venerable, his smile unchanged: "In Fellow Daoist Kaiyuan's opinion, how should I reward you?"

Kaiyuan Tianzun said, "In my humble opinion, only the Four Emperors are worthy of this position!"

Four Royals!

Among the Heavenly and Earthly Fruits born in this great world of the Three Realms, there are only about ten who have reached the Dao-holding realm, among whom the Four Emperors and Five Elders are the most precious.

Kaiyuan Tianzun asked for two of the Four Emperors right off the bat, showing his big appetite, but Jinque Tiandi could not refuse.

If the Eastern Heavenly Daoists had not won the Xuanmen Calamity, brought the eight directions of the Great Thousand Worlds into the Three Realms, and attracted the Cangwu and Kunlun Realms, there would be no flourishing development of the Three Realms and the Great Thousand Worlds today, and no Heavenly Fruits that have been formed so quickly.

The Golden Palace Heavenly Emperor had anticipated this. Although he had not discussed some matters privately with the Eastern Heavenly Daoists, there was still a certain level of tacit understanding between them.

After thinking for a moment, the Golden Palace Heavenly Emperor smiled and said, "In that case, he shall be rewarded with the position of one of the Four Emperors!"

The Golden Emperor is the supreme ruler of the Three Realms. His words are lawful and his words carry the weight of heaven. When he speaks, countless laws and Dao traces intertwine in the Three Realms, causing the heavens and earth to tremble. Thus, the two Heavenly and Earthly Fruits were born from the darkness.

Immediately, the Golden Palace Heavenly Emperor looked at the Kaiyuan Heavenly Venerable. He understood that although the three Heavenly Venerables of the Eastern Heaven had all arrived, the Kaiyuan Heavenly Venerable was the one in charge. The Qingyan Heavenly Venerable and the Mingyang Heavenly Venerable had already pushed the Kaiyuan Heavenly Venerable to take charge. The two Heavenly Venerables had come to the Kaiyuan Heavenly Venerable to keep order.

“Fellow Daoist Kaiyuan, the prosperity of the Three Realms this time is largely thanks to the Eastern Heaven, and the Eastern Heaven has made great contributions, with Kaiyuan being the foremost among them.”

"In Fellow Daoist Kaiyuan's opinion, which of the Four Emperors should be used to reward the two fellow Daoists for their contributions?"

Kaiyuan Tianzun was quite blunt. He looked at Chixiao Daojun and Jinmu Yuanjun and said in a deep voice, "In my opinion, Chixiao Daojun has worked hard and made great contributions, and should be rewarded with the position of Eastern Emperor; Jinmu Daojun has also made great contributions and worked hard, and should be rewarded with the position of Western Emperor."

"My two fellow Daoists, you should each reside in the east and west respectively, so as to share the burdens and difficulties of His Majesty in the Heavenly Court."

"Therefore, he shall be honored as the Great Emperor of the Eastern Cangwu Kingdom!"

"Therefore, she shall be honored as the Great Empress Queen of Kunlun in the West!" (End of Chapter)